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Black heel marks ruin the look of vinyl floors, and ordinary cleaners won't touch them. Home remedies range from rubbing the mark with a tennis ball to using automotive solvents, not the best choice. You have alternatives when you use a common household item that is both safe and effective. But better yet, you can put an end to black heel marks forever with a simple solution most anyone has around the house.

Baking Soda Solution

Sprinkle enough baking soda on your floor to cover the heel mark. Rub the baking soda over the mark with a wet paper towel, using the same pressure as when polishing silverware. Make the baking soda into a wet paste. When the mark is gone, remove the remaining baking soda with a paper towel, and then rinse the spot with plain water and let dry. To restore the shine, buff the area with a clean, dry cloth.

Sole Solution

New shoes with black, rubber-like soles are the most prone to leave heel marks. When you notice a new pair of shoes leaving marks, coat the outer edges of the soles generously with clear nail polish. Allow the nail polish to dry and cure for at least 24 hours before wearing the shoes inside the home.

About the Author

Jan Burch has written about home, garden, wellness and other topics since 1992. Her articles have appeared in ByLine, Living Natural and New Mexico Woman. Based in Albuquerque, Burch is a Feng Shui consultant and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner. A life-long crafting enthusiast, she holds a master's degree from the University of California.